Archives des Nutrition

Modulating gut microbes with fiber, microbiota-accessible carbohydrates and prebiotics: an update of definitions and health benefits

2 Aug 2021

by Andreu Prados

While we have known for a while that a diet consisting of fiber-rich foods reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases and lowers people’s mortality rate, scientists have only recently started elucidating why fiber is beneficial for human health. This article clarifies the definition and health implications of the closely related terms fiber, MACs and prebiotics.

Beyond living microbes: scientists provide a definition of postbiotics

31 May 2021

by Andreu Prados

Beyond live microorganisms, inanimate microorganisms and their components can also confer a health benefit on the host. A panel of experts under the auspices of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) updates the definition and scope of postbiotics.

Is it time to consider next-generation beneficial microbes for tackling obesity?

15 Feb 2021

by Andreu Prados

Is it time to consider next-generation beneficial microbes for tackling obesity? APC Microbiome Ireland researchers identify Bifidobacterium longum APC1472 as a promising candidate

2020 at a glance: A year of important scientific progress in gut microbiome research

1 Feb 2021

by GMFH Editing Team

In 2020, we saw important scientific advances in our understanding of how the gut microbiome contributes to human health beyond the gastrointestinal milieu. Discover the year’s breakthroughs in this “2020 Year at a glance” report.

Should dietary guidelines advise consumers to deliberately include safe microorganisms in their diets?

18 Jan 2021

by Andreu Prados

While for almost all of human evolution our food and water have contained large numbers of microorganisms, the industrialized human diet contains low microbial numbers. So are we ready to recommend a specific daily intake of microbes?

What major scientific breakthroughs have been made in gut microbiome science in 2020?

28 Dec 2020

by Andreu Prados

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus of research for scientists worldwide, major breakthroughs in gut microbiome science have been made in 2020. In this last post of the year, we bring you articles from our blog that cover the major advances in the gut microbiome in 2020, from bench to bedside.

What is the role of nutrition in immunity and host susceptibility to COVID-19?

21 Dec 2020

by Andreu Prados

The metabolic activity of immune cells is enhanced after a viral infection, such as the one driven by COVID-19. Dietary approaches that support a healthy gut microbiome can benefit the immune system and ensure a good nutritional status that would help the host deal with pathogens.

The baseline gut microbiota is not always a good predictor of clinical response to a low FODMAP diet or probiotics

30 Nov 2020

by GMFH Editing Team

Diet is becoming increasingly popular as a means of managing IBS symptoms. A new study in 95 adults with IBS examines diet-gut microbiota associations and concludes that baseline gut microbiota is not a good predictor of clinical response to a low FODMAP diet or probiotic intervention.

It still too early to use probiotics, prebiotics and fermented foods for cognitive performance, concludes a new meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

23 Nov 2020

by GMFH Editing Team

Gut microbiome-targeted interventions are being explored as means of improving cognitive performance. A new meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled studies has found no significant effect on improving cognition for probiotics, prebiotics and fermented foods, whether alone or used in combination.

Why does context matter in the relationships between the human gut microbiome and host lifestyle and diet?

16 Nov 2020

by GMFH Editing Team

Host lifestyle and diet are known to have a significant impact on the gut microbiome. A large observational study across 3400 individuals shows that, beyond interindividual variability, gut microbiome heterogeneity may play a role in individual responses to diet, lifestyle and medication.